International Security & Conflict Studies

The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies aims to provide you with the knowledge and skills to analyse these issues in our highly interconnected world.



Here are some questions you'll explore:



Why do people feel threatened?

How do certain groups manage to resolve their differences?

What impact does peacekeeping have?

How does online radicalisation play a role?

What are the effects of international treaties?

This programme helps you make sense of these complex issues and equips you with the tools to understand and address them in our globalised society.



We're delighted to welcome students from all over the world to join us. Many of them have experience in fields related to conflict or security, while others may have studied different subjects but are genuinely interested in this area.



Our professors are actively researching various topics such as the connection between politics and economics, human rights, conflict resolution, rebuilding after wars, justice during transitions, and the study of specific regions.



In the classroom, we encourage vibrant discussions to provide you with opportunities to explore and learn collaboratively with your peers.



Programme Structure

You have two ways to complete this MA: in one year if you study full-time or in two years if you study part-time. The academic year begins in the middle of September.



As a full-time student, you will take three core classes in the first semester, along with a research methodology class. In the second semester, you will select three classes from a range of topics. You will also need to complete a 15,000-word dissertation, due in September.



If you are a part-time student, you will spread out all the classes (three core, one research methodology, and three optional classes) over two years, typically taking one or two classes each semester. Your 15,000-word dissertation will be due in August of your second year.



Also if you choose the part-time route, the required classes and some of the most essential optional ones are typically scheduled on a single afternoon or evening each week, running from 2 pm to 8 pm. Depending on the specific optional modules you pick, part-time students usually won't have any scheduled activities outside of these hours.



Throughout the programme, seminars and guest speakers, including politicians, officials, academics and diplomats will help you explore essential issues in international politics, security and development. These sessions also provide valuable networking opportunities.

For admission to the MA in International Security & Conflict programme, successful applicants will have:



• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, OR



• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.



• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.



• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.

1 year full-time

2 years part-time

Careers

The MA in International Security and Conflict Studies appeals to both recent graduates and individuals who are already well into their careers. It's a versatile programme suitable for students with diverse academic backgrounds, such as politics, law, history, languages, as well as those with practical experience in fields like policing or security forces.



The knowledge and skills gained from this programme are in high demand across various sectors, including government agencies, research organisations, both national and international non-governmental (NGO) and non-profit organisations, inter-governmental (IGO) organisations, as well as policing and security forces.



Graduates from this programme pursue diverse career paths. They can be found working in various government departments such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Justice. Some also join the ranks of the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána.



Internationally, opportunities exist within organisations such as the European Union and the United Nations. Others might choose to work with agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Trócaire, Amnesty International, Concern and Oxfam.



Alternatively, graduates can explore roles in major multinational corporations, the media industry, or think-tanks. The versatility of this programme opens doors to a wide range of fulfilling career paths.